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THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 27, 2002
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Club Gets Landmark Status
Will Save Site From Demolition
After a long battle, the Richmond Hill Republican Club building will be awarded landmark status.
The site, once a wartime refuge for soldiers and a community gathering place, is rich in local history. Located at 86-15 Lefferts Boulevard in downtown Richmond Hill, the neo-colonial style building was instrumental in shaping the feel of downtown Richmond Hill.
City Council Members Melinda Katz and Dennis Gallagher became involved with the location earlier this year and have been instrumental in its designation as a landmark. Together, they worked fervently for the landmark status with community members including Nancy Cataldi of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey and Chair Paul Sapienza, and John Sommese, owner of the Simonson Funeral Home (located adjacent to the property).
Katz, Gallagher and community members also testified before the Landmarks Commission at a hearing for the building in October of this year.
“To lose this piece of Queens history would have been a shame,” Katz said. “It is a symbol in the community and now, with the landmark designation, we have the assurance that its history and visual appeal will be preserved. We are very happy with this decision by the Landmarks Commission.”
Gallagher added: “This is a wonderful first step towards recognition of the historical significance of Queens County and Richmond Hill.”